Bonanza, Arkansas — Authorities in Sebastian County are investigating the deaths of a 40-year-old mother and two of her children who were found shot inside their Bonanza mansion just one day after the mother attended a court hearing to finalize her divorce from her estranged husband. The case has shaken the Arkansas community and reignited concerns about domestic violence and gaps in victim protection.
Welfare Check Leads to Tragic Discovery
On December 3, deputies with the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at the family’s residence. Inside the home, they found Charity Beallis, age 40, and two of her children dead from gunshot wounds. Officials confirmed that the deaths are being treated as homicides, though they have not identified any suspects.
The timing of the tragedy is notable. The killings occurred one day after Charity’s final divorce hearing, where she sought to formally separate from her estranged husband, Randall. Divorce records show the couple married in 2015 but stopped living together in February 2025.
Prior Domestic Violence Allegations Against Estranged Husband
Court records outline a history of domestic violence allegations involving Randall, a practicing doctor in Arkansas. Earlier this year, on February 16, Charity reported that Randall had choked her, leading to his arrest. He was initially charged with aggravated assault on a family member, third-degree domestic battery, and child endangerment.
By October, he pleaded guilty to a single third-degree battery charge and received a one-year suspended sentence, along with a no-contact order preventing him from contacting Charity or her family. Charity approved that order at the time.
Despite the documented history, deputies stated as of Friday that Randall was not considered a suspect in his wife’s and children’s deaths. His attorney emphasized that he has been fully cooperative with the sheriff’s office and supports the ongoing investigation.
Charity Expressed Fear for Her Safety Months Before the Murders
Arkansas State Sen. Terry Rice, a Republican representing the region, told reporters that Charity met with him earlier in 2025, expressing fear for her safety and the safety of her children. According to Rice, she described feeling unprotected and frustrated by how her earlier assault case had been handled.
Charity also made public comments on a 5 News article in August, writing about feeling ignored by the justice system.
“I am the victim, yet I’ve been treated like the problem,” she wrote. The criminal — a local doctor — is being shielded by the very system that’s supposed to protect us.”
She went on to say her concerns were dismissed by officials, including the prosecuting attorney she was unable to reach.
“Lives are at stake, including the lives of young children,” she warned.
Her plea now appears haunting in light of the violence that followed.
Divorce Proceedings Halt After Charity’s Death
Charity filed for divorce shortly after Randall’s February arrest. The couple’s divorce case was entering its final stage when her death occurred. On December 4, a day after Charity was found dead, Randall’s attorney filed a motion to dismiss the divorce case, citing the death of the petitioner. Charity had been seeking full custody of the children.
Authorities have not released the ages of the two deceased children or confirmed whether any children survived.
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Investigation Now Expanding With Search Warrants and Interviews
The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office stated that detectives have executed multiple search warrants, with additional warrants expected. Investigators have already conducted several interviews and plan to conduct more as they attempt to determine who is responsible for the killings and what the motive might be.
Officials have not indicated whether the deaths occurred simultaneously or whether the gun was recovered at the scene.
As of now, investigators say they are keeping all possibilities open.
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